​Bright Futures USA, a community-based collective action group who work to fill the needs of area children, has recently partnered with Community Action Partnership of North Central Missouri to meet potential unmet needs for kids in the Trenton R-9 school district.

The Bright Futures initiative began in Joplin in 2010 and has expanded throughout the region as a means of helping schools and communities connect to meet student needs. Bright Futures now serves over 23 communities in the states of Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Virginia and more than 100,000 children nationwide are reached through the Bright Futures network. "We are pleased to continue expanding Bright Futures throughout the state," said Nancy Good, Chair of the Bright Futures USA Board of Directors.

The belief that each community has the ability to help every one of its children thrive is a core value of Bright Futures USA. Bright Futures USA provides a framework that enables schools to engage businesses, human service agencies, faith-based organizations and parent groups to rally together to meet the needs of their children. This framework partners organizations with schools in a way that helps them to quickly and efficiently meet students' basic needs, often within 24 hours. This allows teachers to focus on educating students and students to focus on learning and ultimately achieve success. Bright Futures USA operates under the belief that when communities invest their time, talent, and treasure in their children and schools, students are more likely to stay in school through graduation, have a higher degree of self-worth and confidence, and set and reach goals for the future. In turn, these students grow up to be better neighbors, quality employees and influential leaders in their communities. It is a win for all parties involved.

If you would like to learn more about Bright Futures USA, know of a student in need, or would like to get your school involved with this program please contact CAPNCM by calling 855-290-8544.